I think some have had success with the Amazon affiliate thing, especially if you're not afraid to include a plug/reminder in most of your posts.

Good for you, getting a diagnosis so early! This will make all the difference as Ike’s brain can create new neural pathways in a way that an older child (or adult) wouldn’t be able to. Huge difference. Well done.
As a mom of a now 13 yr old dyslexic, I have a little advice. Sue the school IF it doesn’t provide what Ike needs (Orton gillingham trained teacher) for the money to get one. We chose not to - it seemed wrong to us to burden our town with that expense. Well, 8 yrs later, We are still paying out of pocket and it’s a huge expense. Way more than the $10,000 it costs to sue the school initially. Hopefully your school system doesn’t force you to do this, but most do....
Also, although insurance doesn’t pay for anything but testing (I think?) remember that anything you spend on treatment/remediation is tax deductible as a medical expense if it’s over a certain amount.
So happy Ike’s got his mama bear to fight for what he needs!

I'd go with a straightforward PayPal donation button. It's easy to understand and familiar. And I wouldn't apologize for it.

No advice on the payment/donation front.
But some encouragement on the dyslexic front. My oldest and youngest both have dyslexia and dyscalculia. I will say around 4/5th grades the reading just clicked with the help provided by the school through their EIP’s. The math portion, dyscalculia, is what my 15yr old still struggles with a bit. But what’s great is she can look at something and the logic is solid but numbers look off, she has an adult or other student help her. Normally she’s flipped something up. Having that sense of asking for help has been key. My 9yr old is far from there and still struggling with simple math (for a typical child in 4th grade).

I guess my point is... it does get better. And less scary. And there are some amazing qualities that they have. Like... did you know most dyslexics, once the neuropath for reading is set they usually speed read. How cool is that?
Good luck with everything!!

I know very little about this, but don't both GoFundMe and Patreon take a cut? If that's the case, a straight-up PayPal donation button may be more your thing. I know there are quite a few like me that have been very longtime readers who may be interested in helping (less donating, for a lack of a better word). I'm more partial to PayPal myself, but if you wanted continuing contributions, Patreon may be easier to manage that and to also offer some more "reward" type thing so as to prioritize the givers than the general audience.

I'm sorry that this is all such a process - I know you've been through the whole IEP before, but like you've said, each kid is different. I hope everything works out for Ike and the program he needs.

Do people really scold you for "not having a real job?" WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK? Gah... grift all you want, Amy. You're entertaining, and amazing, and awesome.... and I'd totally contribute some of the little moneys I have.

I support three people on Patreon right now and I really enjoy the format. However, I was supporting someone I really like, admire, and helped me change my life for the better. But she didn't really do anything for the people supporting her, unless they were giving on the really high tiers. The emails she was sending out were the same exact emails she sends out to her email list and Facebook (i.e. To the freeloaders (jk)). That one kinda felt uninviting to me after awhile, especially since I had other people to compare it to. I eventually dropped my pledge for her. The other artists/interesting people I support keep in touch with all the patrons and get a bit deeper with their communications. I don't expect them to devote all their time to keep the patrons happy, but as long as I am thrown a bone every once in a while I am good. I only share this as one persons expectations of Patreon, not sure what you had in mind for your format. But I would definitely support you if you joined.

I like Patreon because it's support of the arts and that's what you are - an artist. I know that's important to you and in memory of your dad I just wanted to reiterate that you are a gifted writer and that is art ❤ Much love to Ike. You guys will figure this out! He has a great team behind him!

I want to hug on Poppy!! I vote for Paypal.

It seems inappropriate for you to seek money from your readers when you don't hesitate to get tattoos, take a trip to Las Vegas, have multiple pets, etc. Perhaps you need to re-evaluate your lifestyle choices before asking others to support your family. I suspect most of your readers have no more disposable income than you do. I've been an avid reader for years, but I'm so disappointed in this post that I don't know if I want to ever come back,

Also, wow, please ignore the judgement I just read in the comments. Writing is art, you work and do this wonderful are where you share your life with us. Compensation is not ridiculous. You aren't talking about a paywall, you are talking about passing a hat. Church does it, so I don't know why some freeloading negative Nancy thinks that they are on some moral high ground.
If someone judges you for that, thinks your child should not get care AND claims to be okay with enjoying your art FOR FREE then do not count their leaving as a loss.
You are talented, you are fierce and their problems are not yours. As the Polish say " not my monkey, not my circus."
Hugs

Actually, I agree with the negative commentor in some ways. Amy is getting paid for the blog.......if its not enough, maybe bump up sponsored posts or increase ad revenue. You seem to have plenty of money for everything else you guys want to do and you say you knew this diagnosis was coming, but you still went on some vacations/trips and talk a lot about all the stuff and stuff and more stuff you buy. So it doesn't ring true that you're in such dire financial straights you have to ask for donations because services provided through the awesome school district your kids attend isn't enough.

I think being judgey about Amy's lifestyle is missing the point. In the more than 10 years I have been reading her blog, I have gotten countless hours of enjoyment from her writing. I have smiled, laughed and cried from the words she has shared with us. I don't think her giving us the option of giving back to her a token of how much we have enjoyed her content is wrong. If you don't want to participate then don't.

(climbs on tiny soapbox) Pets are a lifetime commitment. You don't just get rid of them when things get hard. Also, sometimes you do things for your mental health that may not be the best for your finances. I went through a really hard time after my divorce and took two vacations that I couldn't really afford. One in particular was still one of the best things I have ever done for myself and I don't regret the credit card bills that came with it.

What about promoting products that you design like t-shirts or the like? I seriously would buy a shirt with that toad and that saying. I've seen other bloggers do this and I don't know what kind of cut they get, but something, right? (because of course you need more things to do other than raising three non-feral children)

Paypal donation button. Would be happy to support Ike! He was born a few weeks before my daughter and I read the full archives of your blog in the early morning hours of nursing, and have never stopped reading. Your wit and humor kept me SANE, dude. I don't know who the fuckers are that are telling you to get a "real job" but this blogging job of yours (which involves actual WORK, hello?) has helped me out so much through the years.

For those speaking of budgeting, it is entirely possible to be doing so, have an emergency stash for that massive car repair and unexpected medical bill, but still suddenly find yourself facing a different financial landscape. I don’t know the costs on this at all. But what if this were to add $12,000 or more to their household expenses annually (like twice-weekly mental health therapy sessions for a child)? And this will be an ongoing expense for the foreseeable future, not a one-time. So while they adjust their budget to meet this new reality, it is unfair to condemn a few past indulgences.

I know you've had a rough few months and are still working very hard to recover and I'm sure this extra stress with Ike isn't helping. And I'm all for helping those in need, but it's tough to swallow when you were talking about renovating your home and your amazing new hot tub a few months ago and then went on multiple vacations. It kind of sounds like asking for money just to keep you in the lifestyle you're accustomed to.

I would be happy to donate - paypal or whatever. I'm surprised by the number of negative comments judging how you live your life - if someone isn't interested in donating just move on, it's not like you're charging admission. I suspect there are plenty of loyal followers like me who appreciate your sharing your writing and your life with us. If you wrote a book I'd buy it. In the meantime I'd happily support your blog or swag/merch if you choose to go that route. As the spouse of someone with a history of depression, your writing has helped me (tremendously) better understand what my spouse is going through. More than any books I've read. I look forward to having an opportunity to make a donation.

Long-time reader, first-time commenter. If readers don't want to donate, they don't have to. An unobtrusive donation button is completely appropriate and it saddens me that anyone would try to insinuate it would somehow lessen the impact of your work/writing. Giving is a choice. It's much harder to ask for help when you need it. Please continue to ask, and don't be surprised by the support you receive.

I mean really. Just a few posts ago was a collective outpouring of “DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT, WE GOT YOU!!!” comments... and then this is the response when you do ask? And it’s not like you’re remodeling your kitchen or on a beach RIGHT now, sheesh. That’s not how the linear nature of the space time continuum works.

And look- I think artists and writers deserve way more support for their craft, so I like the idea. I’ve given to my girl Raquel over at www.theuglyvolvo.com just because I noticed a paypal donate button on her blog and thought how brilliant it was to give a little back for the content I devoured so regularly and enjoyed so thoroughly. It’s like donating to NPR- and you don’t see anyone bitching because Terry Gross has a hot tub...

Yikes. Wasn't sure if I was going to comment but then I read alllllll the other comments.

I see both sides...If Amy wants to ask people for money that is her decision. And if people choose to give her money or not, that's their decision. If you're that against it, don't give and don't read the blog any more. It's called choices people.

For those saying from what Amy shows and talks about on her blog, that it really doesn't seem like the family is truly "needy" and/or in dire financial need...they're right too. It doesn't seem like they are. (And if you don't want people to judge you on how you spend your money, don't put it on the flipping Internet.)

But. You NEVER really know anyone's finances unless you're them. We've all got that show off friend or family member who spends spends spends, but in reality is living on credit in serious debt.

A lot of German bloggers I‘m reading have added Paypal donation buttons stating that you may donate to them if you like what you are reading, but of course as with all donations,
you don‘t have to. I don‘t mind this at all, I think this is very legitamate. I image keeping up a blog is a lot of work taking quite a bit of time away from other things and as so many others I thoroughly enjoy your writing. Taking away a lot of parenting advice, feeling supported in my decision to cloth diaper, gaining understanding for mental health issues that my mother in law is also affected by and so much more including many smiles and much laughter. Thank you for being a light in this world!

I'm still digesting your suicide post from a few weeks ago and am extremely thankful you wrote that. It has given words to things that were swirling in my head. You posted that from your heart for FREE. Your words have potentially helped my life. I'm sure there are many others that feel the same way. I would 100% love to help you

Been reading since before Noah was born. I don't think I've ever posted a comment before. But, I had to break my silence here. This is your blog. You give us your writings for free! Your creativity. Your time. I've learned a lot from you and you don't even know me. Makeup? Skincare? I still use a lot of products you've recommended over the years. Your recents struggles? You mentioned buspar and I was smiling because it helped me so much too!

If you need help from your loyal readers, whether it be in supporting words or financial support, please ask. You've been giving to us for so many years. If we can give back, and are so inclined to do so, please let us do that. For those that are offended by her asking, keep scrolling and ignore the link if she posts it. It is pretty simple. I ignore posts and links on pages all day long that I don't like or don't agree with. Imagine all the free time and negative energy I save when I don't stop and spew each time I disagree. Just my two cents. You do you, Amy. We got you for whatever you need.

Any,
I owe you so much. I would be happy to contribute and have thought about doing so for a long time. I’ve been reading your blog for years (7-9 years I think).I actually remember where I was when I read your post announcing your pregnancy with Ike because I was traveling for work and went to the hotel business centre to check in on our blog specifically.
Let us help you and use the $$$ any fucking way you want to.

I am so late in commenting...thats what happens when your internet provider and cable provider are the same person and your husband decides to upgrade! Anyway, Amy..you are amazing. I've been reading since Noah and the Advice Smackdown from the beginning. Donate button everywhere! I will click. You and your beautiful family feel like a extension of mine...and we (all who support you)...know what a great mom you are, how hard you work...and how hard life can be sometimes. There have been times in my life when your story, happiness, struggle, real life ...have been the reason I made it through a hard time/day...that is worth 10,000 donate buttons. NOTHING BUT SNUGS HERE!

JBearden ME TOO! I still religiously use Philosophy face wash because of Amy. That helped me so much. We can help her right back.

Good grief, people, whatever. We’ve taken a couple of hits over the past few months, and I’ve gone from “Thank god we can afford to have me home and all these super expensive therapies and supplements my spectrum kid needs (plus the $5K out of pocket neuropsychological evil she needs to get the damn diagnosis I’ve been advocating for for the last 4 years, only I did enough interventions with her when she was small that she doesn’t check all the boxes anymore and sorry I went down a rabbit hole there. But now? We took a couple of hits, and all of a sudden we’re cutting back on *everything* and if I had a blog I’d be asking for donations, too. Because I’m doing my damn best for this kid, and I still feel guilty that I’m not giving her the support she needs.

So you have a special education advocate? If he’s not making effective progress, the school must provide services, up to and including paying for him to go out of district to a private school (though they will never do that first). That said, schools (in MA at least) tend to struggle to support kids with dyslexia. You could also look at a private tutor rather than a learning center, might be much cheaper and just as effective. I would absolutely encourage you to work with a special education advocate familiar with dyslexia services in your state, google them.

I’m absolutely overwhelmed by what arseholes people are. How ‘bout I come poking into your personal finances, KAREN?

Do what you want to do, Amy. Those who can give will. Those who can’t, wont. Those who simply don’t want to and feel angry can go on living those perfect, fully self-sufficient lives they apparently have. Surprised they can even read your blog with their noses way up in the air like that.